Is Russia’s invasion of Ukraine merely the first in a series of conflicts that will make Europe seem more like the Middle East in the coming years? A Chinese academic who requested anonymity put that question to me last month, and his reasoning showed just how differently non-Westerners view a war that is reshaping the European geopolitical order.

In speaking with Chinese academics to understand how they view the world, I have found that they start from a fundamentally different position than many in the West do. It’s not just that they are more likely to blame the Ukraine war on NATO enlargement than on the Kremlin; it is that many of their core strategic assumptions are also the opposite of our own.

While Europeans and Americans see the conflict as a turning point in global history, the Chinese see it as just another war of intervention—one that is even less significant than those launched in Korea, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan over the past 75 years. To them, the only material difference this time is that it is not the West that is intervening.

And while many in Europe think that the war has marked America’s return to the global stage, Chinese intellectuals see it as further confirmation of the incoming post-American world. To them, the end of American hegemony created a vacuum that is now being filled by Russia.

Whereas Westerners see an attack on the rules-based order, my Chinese friends see the emergence of a more pluralistic world—one in which the end of American hegemony permits different regional and sub-regional projects. They argue that the rules-based order has always lacked legitimacy; Western powers created the rules, and they have never shown much compunction about changing them when it suits their purposes (as in Kosovo and Iraq).

These are the arguments that lead to the Middle East analogy. My Chinese interlocutor sees the situation in Ukraine not as a war of aggression between sovereign countries, but rather as a revision of post-colonial borders following the end of Western hegemony. Likewise, in the Middle East, states are questioning the borders that the West drew after World War I.

But the most striking parallel is that the Ukraine conflict is widely regarded as a proxy war. Just as the wars in Syria, Yemen and Lebanon have been fuelled and exploited by great powers, so, too, has the war in Ukraine. Who are the main beneficiaries? My Chinese friend argues that it certainly is not Russia, Ukraine or Europe. Rather, the United States and China ultimately stand to gain the most, and both have been approaching the conflict as a proxy war in their larger rivalry.

The argument goes that the Americans have benefited by locking Europeans, Japanese and Koreans into a new alignment of US-dictated priorities, and by isolating Russia and forcing China to clarify where it stands on issues such as territorial integrity. At the same time, they say China has benefited by cementing Russia’s subordinate position in the two countries’ partnership, and by prodding more countries in the global south to embrace non-alignment.

While European leaders cast themselves as 21st-century Churchills, the Chinese see them as mere pawns in a bigger geopolitical game. The consensus among all the scholars I spoke with is that the war in Ukraine is a rather unimportant diversion when compared to the short-term disruptions of Covid-19 or the longer-term struggle for supremacy between the US and China.

Obviously, one could argue with my Chinese interlocutor’s points. Europeans certainly have more agency than he implies, and the West’s vigorous response to Russia’s aggression could well prevent the war from being the first in a longer series of border conflicts (as occurred during the decade-long wars of Yugoslav succession in the 1990s).

Nonetheless, the fact that Chinese observers frame things so differently than we do should give us pause. At a minimum, we in the West should think harder about how the rest of the world perceives us. Yes, it is tempting to dismiss Chinese arguments as mere talking points, designed to stay on the good side of a hostile, undemocratic regime (public discussions about Ukraine are heavily controlled in China). But perhaps some humility is in order.

The fact that Chinese observers have such a radically different perspective may help to explain why the West has not garnered near-universal support for its sanctions against Russia. At a time when the politics of ‘taking back control’ is ascendant, we should not be so surprised to see other governments discounting the importance of Ukraine. Where we see a heroic self-defence of the rules-based order, others see the last gasp of Western hegemony in a world that is quickly becoming multipolar.

[Mark Leonard is director of the European Council on Foreign Relations and the author of 'The age of unpeace: how connectivity causes conflict'.]

The Sinister Shadow of Nijjar

At 46, Nijjar wasn’t just a member of the local Sikh community; he was a terror mastermind with deep roots in Khalistani extremism. A fugitive from India, Nijjar had been prominently linked to multiple terrorist organizations. As the chief of the Khalistan Tiger Force (KTF), his hands were stained with the plotting of the Hindu priest’s assassination. He also associated himself with the Sikhs For Justice, another notorious extremist group, orchestrating anti-India activities. His social media pages? A veritable library of sedition, hatred, and attempts to ignite communal discord.

Nijjar’s terror lineage is not just a smattering of isolated events; it’s a chronology of grave acts of violence that have left an indelible mark. The 2007 bomb blast at Shingar cinema in Ludhiana? Orchestrated by him. The cold-blooded assassination of Rashtriya Singh Sangat’s President, Rulda Singh, in 2009? His doing. A conspiracy to eliminate Hindu priest Kamaldeep Sharma in Jalandhar, the explosion at the Satya Narayan temple in Patiala in 2010, and the plotting of the assassination of spiritual leader Piara Singh Bhaniara – all bore the unmistakable touch of Nijjar’s terror designs. Even as recently as 2015-16, he directed Mandeep Singh Dhaliwal to target Shiv Sena leaders.

And the global community took note: on 01 July 2020, a red corner notice was issued against him, designating him as an ‘Individual terrorist’ under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). This was not merely a rogue individual but a calculated menace with a track record to match.

Canada’s Troublesome Liaison

For years, Nijjar had spun a web of lies to evade Canadian immigration authorities. Portraying himself as a victim of police torture, he used fabricated letters and even staged a sham marriage to stake his claim to residency in Canada. Although his stories were often rejected, he still managed to operate under the Canadian radar, even identifying himself as a citizen.

Prime Minister Trudeau’s acknowledgment of Nijjar as a Canadian citizen in his recent statements, therefore, stands as an unsettling testament to Canada’s potential complicity in sheltering extremists. While Canada has a proud tradition of supporting human rights and providing refuge to those in need, harbouring individuals with clear extremist ideologies is a different ball game.

Embracing such individuals doesn’t just imperil Canada’s national security. It sends out a stark message to the global community: that Canada might be becoming a safe haven for those with extremist views. In trying to appease a select few, Trudeau risks compromising Canada’s standing on the global stage. The lack of support from G7 allies, evident by their refusal to issue joint statements against India, underscores this sentiment.

Safeguarding Canada’s National Integrity

It is an age-old principle that harbouring a snake can endanger the one providing shelter. With Nijjar’s extensive violent background and the current geopolitical scenario, Trudeau’s allegations against India without substantial evidence run the risk of painting Canada in a precarious light.

Canada, known for its majestic landscapes, multicultural ethos, and global diplomacy, should remain a beacon of hope, not a refuge for extremism. It’s high time the Canadian leadership differentiates between genuine asylum seekers and those with sinister motives. After all, the safety and reputation of a nation should never be traded for political appeasement.

UK Member of Parliament (MP) Theresa Villiers on Monday spoke about the success of India’s recently concluded G20 Summit and the need for stronger ties between the UK and India.

The MP also spoke about the rising Chinese interference in UK politics and the need for counter balance of the Global South.

She was speaking at the 'Indo-Pacific dialogue: Jammu Kashmir 2019 and beyond event' held by the Indo-Pacific All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) in the UK Parliament.

The event’s keynote speakers included Georgetown University Professor Christine Fair, an affiliate of the London School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) Burzine Waghmar.

The event was attended by a number of parliamentarians including MP and host Bob Blackman and Theresa Villiers.

MP Burzine Waghmar spoke about Pakistan's illegal occupation of a part of Kashmir (POK) and he also emphasised the inclusion of the African Union into the G20. Baghmar highlighted that India has shown leadership as a leading democracy by facilitating the inclusion of the African Union in G20, unlike China which uses Africa only for its commercial and defense needs.

MP Bob Blackman spoke about the need for deeper cooperation between UK and India. He also congratulated Modi for a successful G20. He also referred to the need of tackling extremist fringe Khalistani elements working closely between two governments.

“It was great to sponsor the #JammuAndKashmir Beyond 2019 event in Parliament yesterday in collaboration with @APPGIndoPacific,” Blackman wrote on ‘X’ formerly Twitter on Tuesday.
Christine Fair's talk was about Pakistan's interference in Jammu & Kashmir.

The event was attended by community members and students from various universities in the UK.

The G20 summit had reached a successful conclusion in Delhi on September 10, featuring numerous prominent global leaders who also engaged in a series of bilateral meetings on the sidelines. The summit led to the consolidation of a comprehensive framework with the objective of fostering enhanced collaboration among the G20 member nations, the European Union, and the recently incorporated African Union. (ANI)

The Indian World Forum (IWF) on Wednesday strongly condemned the actions of unlawful organisations, including Sikhs for Justice, for their disturbing activities targeting the Indian diaspora in Canada. In a press release, the IWF highlighted the significant economic and social contributions of the Indian diaspora to Canadian society, emphasising that individuals from various religious backgrounds, including Christians, Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs, have played a vital role in the progress of Canada.

The press release drew attention to the repeated targeting of the Indian diaspora and their places of worship in Canada. It also pointed out the alarming trend of unlawful organisations attempting to target Indian diplomatic missions and personnel not only in Canada but also in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America (USA). These activities have raised concerns for the safety and well-being of the Indian diaspora.

Call for Canadian government action

The Indian World Forum has urged the Government of Canada to take serious action against nefarious elements, specifically mentioning individuals such as Arshdeep Singh Dhalla and Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, both of whom have been designated as terrorists by India. The IWF stated the importance of preventing any actions that could endanger the Indian diaspora and their investments in Canada, as such actions would violate the sanctity of the UN Charter and its conventions.

The IWF also highlighted the warm welcome extended to Canadian brethren in India and highlighted the cultural commitment to the well-being of the Canadian diaspora in India.

Diplomatic standoff between India and Canada

Tensions between Canada and India have reached new heights with dueling diplomatic expulsions and an allegation made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau against the Indian government over involvement in the killing of a pro-Khalistan separatist on Canadian soil. India has repeatedly accused Canada of supporting the Khalistan movement, which is banned in India and has dwindling support among the Sikh diaspora.

On Monday, Trudeau in Parliament described what he called credible allegations that India was connected to the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June. The Indian government denied any hand in Nijjar’s killing while also saying Canada was trying to shift the focus from Khalistan activists there.

In a momentous development for gender equality and women’s empowerment in India, the Lok Sabha, the lower house of Parliament, unanimously passed The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Amendment) Bill, 2023. This groundbreaking legislation, popularly referred to as the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’ Bill, received resounding support from members of all political parties during a day-long debate.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his delight at the historic achievement, emphasizing the significant impact it will have on women’s participation in the country’s political process. In a tweet, he thanked MPs from across party lines for their overwhelming support, stating that this legislation would further boost women’s empowerment.

The Women’s Reservation Bill, included in The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Amendment) Bill, 2023, paves the way for a transformative change in Indian politics. The most remarkable aspect of the bill is its provision for a 33% reservation for women in both the Lok Sabha and state legislatures. This reservation will not only empower women but also contribute to a more inclusive and representative democracy.

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal played a pivotal role in explaining the nuances of the bill to the Lok Sabha members. His efforts were instrumental in gaining consensus, and after the thorough deliberation, the bill was approved. During the division, an astounding 454 members supported the legislation, with only two voting against it. Opposition-proposed amendments were rejected, reaffirming the strong backing for the bill’s various clauses. Speaker Om Birla officially announced the successful passage of the historic legislation.

The ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’ Bill carries significant weight, especially considering that it is the first piece of legislation to be passed in the Lok Sabha since its relocation to the new Parliament building. The bill was passed by a majority of the total membership of the House and by a majority of not less than two-thirds of House members present and voting. The division was conducted meticulously through the distribution of slips, ensuring a transparent and democratic process.

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal dismissed criticism from the Opposition regarding implementation delays, emphasizing that the bill guarantees transparency. The day-long debate, led by Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, showcased the commitment of Parliament to women’s rights and gender equality.

The journey for this historic bill does not end with its passage in the Lok Sabha. It is now set to be debated in the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of Parliament, on the following day. This represents a crucial step towards its eventual implementation.

Notably, the Rajya Sabha had previously passed the Women’s Reservation Bill during the Congress-led UPA government in 2010. However, it remained unaddressed in the Lok Sabha, ultimately resulting in the bill’s stagnation and eventual demise.

The introduction of The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Eighth Amendment) Bill, 2023 by the government, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resolute commitment to women’s empowerment, underscores the significance of this legislation. As it progresses through the legislative process, India moves one step closer to achieving a more equitable and inclusive political landscape, where the voices and contributions of women are recognized and valued. The ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’ Bill stands as a testament to India’s commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women in the 21st century.